Your CV and cover letter are often the first impression an employer has of you. A well-written CV highlights your skills and experience, while a strong cover letter explains why you are the right candidate for the role.
This guide explains how to create a professional CV and cover letter that stand out and increase your chances of getting interview calls.
Recruiters often review hundreds of applications for a single role. In many cases, they spend less than 30 seconds scanning each CV.
A strong CV and cover letter:
Clearly communicate your value
Show professionalism and attention to detail
Increase your chances of being shortlisted
They are essential tools in a successful job search.
A CV should be clear, concise, and well-structured.
Personal Details: Name, phone number, email (professional), location
Professional Summary: 2–3 sentences highlighting experience and career focus
Work Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order
Education: Relevant qualifications
Skills: Technical and soft skills
Certifications (optional): Professional training or licenses
Keep your CV 1–2 pages
Use a clean, professional layout
Focus on achievements, not just duties
Use action verbs (e.g., managed, developed, improved)
Tailor your CV for each job application
Avoid spelling and formatting errors—they can cost you opportunities.
A cover letter allows you to tell your story and explain why you’re the best fit for the role.
Introduction
State the position you are applying for and briefly introduce yourself.
Body Paragraph(s)
Highlight relevant skills and experience. Explain how you can add value to the company.
Closing Paragraph
Express enthusiasm and request the opportunity for an interview.
Keep it one page
Address it to the hiring manager when possible
Avoid repeating your CV word-for-word
Be confident, clear, and professional
Customize it for each employer
A generic cover letter reduces your chances significantly.
Using one CV for every job
Including unnecessary personal information
Writing long paragraphs
Focusing on responsibilities instead of impact
Using an unprofessional email address
Recruiters notice these mistakes quickly.
Matching your CV and cover letter to the job description is one of the most effective strategies.
Steps to follow:
Identify key skills and keywords in the job posting
Adjust your professional summary
Highlight the most relevant experience
Customize your cover letter to the role
This helps your application pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Many job applications are now digital.
Best practices:
Submit CVs in PDF format (unless stated otherwise)
Use clear file names (e.g., John_Doe_CV.pdf)
Ensure your CV is mobile-friendly
Keep formatting simple for ATS compatibility
A strong CV and cover letter open doors to interviews. By presenting your experience clearly, tailoring your application, and maintaining a professional tone, you greatly improve your chances of success in the job market.
Invest time in perfecting these documents—they represent you before you ever walk into an interview.